Seaworld loses appeal; required to increase trainer safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MyNews4.com & KRNV) -- A huge blow to Seaworld on Friday, as a ruling by a U.S. Appeals Court requires the company to increase separation of their trainers and killer whales.

OSHA issued citations that restricted whale-trainer interaction, after a killer whale dragged a veteran trainer into the water and killed her in front of an audience. After her death, the company no longer allowed trainers in the water during performances.

But OSHA believes the best way to protect trainers is to keep them behind barriers, or at a safe distance from killer whales.